Best Pet Insurance Plans For Shih Tzus In December, 2024

Check Whether Your Pet Is Eligible

Puppies and kittens usually need to be between 6 and 10 weeks old to qualify for insurance, varying by company. Older pets might not qualify for initial enrollment with some insurers, or they might only be eligible for accident coverage. Once enrolled, most plans provide lifelong coverage as long as premiums are paid.

Research What’s Covered

Pet insurance plans generally cover costs like surgery, hospital stays, and medications if your pet becomes ill or injured. However, some companies either charge extra or don’t cover certain items at all. For instance:

• Exam fees: If your dog breaks her leg, your plan may pay for X-rays, surgery, and medication but not the exam itself.
• Alternative treatments: Some companies include services like acupuncture and physical therapy in standard plans, while others charge more.
• Behavioral therapy: Not all policies cover treatment for aggression or other behavioral problems.
• Prescription diets: Some plans don’t cover special food or supplements, even if prescribed by your vet.
• Dental care: Coverage for dental care, like gingivitis or periodontal disease, varies. Some policies only cover dental issues if your pet recently had a cleaning. Wellness add-ons might pay for cleanings.

Additionally, pet insurance typically won’t cover pre-existing conditions, cosmetic treatments, or breeding costs.

Decide How Much Coverage You Want

Many pet insurance plans limit their yearly payouts, but some don’t have such caps. It’s up to you to choose an amount that makes you comfortable covering vet bills. If your pet is generally healthy, you might only need to cover routine care costs for years. However, unexpected surgeries or illnesses could result in significant expenses.

Understand Reimbursements And Deductibles

Most pet insurance plans will reimburse you for a portion of your vet bill, typically allowing you to select a reimbursement rate, such as 70%, 80%, or 90% when you sign up.

Other plans cover a standard fee set by the insurer for certain treatments, which may be lower than what your vet charges, meaning you’d cover the difference.

Most policies also have a deductible, which is the amount you must pay out of pocket before coverage kicks in. Deductibles often range from $100 to $250 or higher. Some plans require a deductible per illness or injury, while others apply it annually.

Lower out-of-pocket costs generally come with higher premiums. Choosing a lower deductible and higher reimbursement rate means higher premiums, while higher deductibles and lower reimbursement can reduce your premium.

Check Waiting Periods

Many insurance plans have brief waiting periods, typically around 14 days, before they start covering general accident and illness treatments after you buy the policy. During this time, any medical expenses won’t be reimbursed. Some plans have longer waiting periods specifically for conditions like cruciate ligament injuries, which are frequent orthopedic issues in dogs. These ligaments play a crucial role in knee stability, and injury can severely affect a dog’s mobility.

Examine Extra Costs

Certain pet insurance providers include routine services like check-ups and vaccinations in their plans. Before signing up, calculate if the added expense is justified by comparing the yearly cost against what you’d pay out of pocket. Be sure to check the specifics, as coverage for wellness services differs between insurers.

Compare Quotes

Insurance costs differ depending on the insurer and coverage level. Discounts are sometimes available from pet insurers; insuring multiple pets might reduce costs. However, a discount doesn’t always mean it’s the most cost-effective option. To find the right insurance for your pet, compare multiple plans with similar coverage, deductibles, and reimbursement limits.